Extra Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip (Hot or Cold!) Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that works beautifully whether you want it warm and melty or cool and creamy, you’ve got to try this Extra Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip (Hot or Cold!) Recipe. Bursting with layers of rich cream cheese, tangy artichokes, tender spinach, and not one but two kinds of gooey cheese, this dip is like a warm hug in appetizer form. Whether you’re prepping for a party or an easy snack that will have everyone reaching for seconds, this recipe is a guaranteed winner with its irresistible texture and vibrant flavours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to making the best Extra Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip (Hot or Cold!) Recipe, and surprisingly, they’re simple pantry staples that work together to elevate the dish to cheesy perfection. Each ingredient plays a special role, from creaminess to seasoning, giving you that rich, well-balanced bite you crave.

• Cream Cheese (8 ounces): The creamy base that gives the dip its luscious texture and rich flavor.
• Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess for that perfect consistency.
• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Provides a smooth, silky mouthfeel while balancing out the tang of the sour cream.
• Garlic (2 cloves, smashed and minced): Brings a fragrant warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Lemon Zest (1/4 teaspoon) and Juice (1 tablespoon): Adds bright, fresh notes that cut through the richness.
• Cayenne Pepper (1/8 teaspoon): A subtle kick that lifts the taste without overwhelming heat.
• Kosher Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds mild spice and complexity.
• Onion Powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Layered savory notes that blend beautifully with garlic.
• Dried Dill (1/2 teaspoon) and Parsley (1 teaspoon): Herbaceous accents that give a fresh, garden-picked taste.
• Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup shredded): Sharp and nutty, contributing that extra umami punch.
• Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup total shredded, split into halves): Perfect for melty, gooey texture and mild flavor.
• Spinach (6 ounces, drained and chopped): The star green that adds earthiness and a lovely color contrast; frozen or fresh both work.
• Artichoke Hearts (1 14-ounce can, drained and chopped): Tender, slightly tangy bites that complement the spinach perfectly.
• Milk (2 tablespoons): Optional, for adjusting the dip’s creaminess to your liking.
• Baguette (1 large, sliced): The ideal vehicle for scooping up every cheesy bit.
• Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): For brushing the baguette slices to achieve golden, crispy toasts.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the baguette and finalize the dish.

How to Make Extra Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip (Hot or Cold!) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cream Cheese

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F if you want the dip warm and bubbly. Then, soften the cream cheese in a large microwave-safe bowl by heating it in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until it’s soft enough to mix but not melted. This step is essential for a smooth blend later.

Step 2: Combine the Dairy and Seasonings

To that softened cream cheese, incorporate the sour cream and mayonnaise. Whisk in smashed and minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, a pinch of cayenne pepper, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, dried dill, and parsley. This mixture is the flavor base that brings complexity and brightness to your dip.

Step 3: Add the Cheeses and Adjust

Mix in shredded parmesan and half of the mozzarella cheese. Whether freshly shredded or store-bought pre-shredded works perfectly. Give your mixture a taste now — this is your chance to tweak seasonings, making sure the dip is flavorful before adding veggies.

Step 4: Prepare the Spinach

Depending on your spinach choice, thaw it thoroughly if frozen, squeezing out all excess moisture, or sauté fresh spinach with a bit of olive oil until wilted, letting it cool before squeezing out extra liquid. This ensures the dip won’t be watery and maintains that creamy texture.

Step 5: Ready the Artichokes and Combine

Drain and roughly chop the artichoke hearts so that each bite includes their tender, deliciously tangy goodness. Gently fold the spinach and artichokes into your cheesy mixture.

Step 6: Optional Milk for Texture

If your dip feels too thick, add a couple tablespoons of milk and stir well for a perfectly smooth, easy-to-scoop consistency.

Step 7: Decide on Hot or Cold Serving

For cold serving, cover and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld beautifully — perfect for make-ahead convenience. To enjoy it hot, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, smooth the top, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, and bake until bubbly and golden, usually around 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 8: Alternative Heating Method

For effortless entertaining, pour the dip into a crock pot, top with mozzarella, and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. This keeps the dip warm and melty throughout your event. Add a bit of milk if it begins to dry out.

Step 9: Prepare the Baguette Slices

Slice the baguette thinly and arrange the pieces on a baking sheet. Brush each side with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake at 450 degrees F for about 5 minutes until golden and crispy, perfect for scooping.

How to Serve Extra Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip (Hot or Cold!) Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few cracked black pepper flakes adds a fresh, colorful touch to your dip. You can also scatter a bit more shredded mozzarella on top just before serving for extra cheesy flair.

Side Dishes

This dip shines paired with crisp vegetable sticks like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. For a heartier option, serve alongside sturdy chips, pita wedges, or warm toasted baguette slices that hold up under all that cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the dip inside a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for a rustic look and added flavor. You can also portion it into individual ramekins and top with mozzarella to broil for a pretty presentation that’s perfect for intimate gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the party, you can stash leftover dip in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making for a delicious next-day snack.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freeze the dip in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving cold, depending on your preference.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the dip gently in the microwave or in a small pan on the stove, stirring often. For oven reheating, place it in a low-temperature oven until warmed through. If needed, add a splash of milk to refresh the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make this dip vegan or dairy-free?

While this recipe relies heavily on cheese and dairy for its signature richness, you can experiment using vegan cream cheese, dairy-free sour cream, and vegan shredded cheese alternatives. The flavor profile may shift, but it can still be delicious!

Is fresh spinach better than frozen for this recipe?

Both work well, so choose based on convenience. Frozen spinach requires thawing and squeezing out extra water, while fresh spinach needs to be cooked and wilted first. The key is to remove as much moisture as possible to avoid a watery dip.

Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella and parmesan?

Absolutely! Feel free to try cheddar for sharper flavor, gouda for creaminess, or even a bit of Monterey Jack for extra meltiness. Just keep the total cheese volume similar to maintain texture and taste balance.

How long does this dip keep after baking?

Once baked, it’s best enjoyed immediately while warm and gooey. However, leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated within 3 days for ongoing enjoyment.

Can I make the dip entirely in advance?

Yes, the dip actually tastes better after some resting time in the fridge! Prepare it up to 48 hours ahead, let the flavors marry well, and then bake or serve cold when ready.

Final Thoughts

This Extra Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip (Hot or Cold!) Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels effortless yet makes a big impression every time. Whether it’s a cozy night at home or your next party, this dip wraps everyone in cheesy comfort with fresh, vibrant veggies adding the perfect balance. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Go ahead, dive into the cheesy goodness and share the love!

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